Do you decide to want God’s best?

There are two marvelous results of appropriating the promises. The first is that we participate in the divine nature. The very nature of God Himself comes into us, and we begin to share in His divine nature. Second, the logical negative consequence is that we escape the corruption that is in the world caused by evil desires. (See 2 Peter 1:4.) How do you feel about the possibility of becoming a partaker of God’s own nature and escaping the corruption that is in this world through evil desires? Does that not appeal to you? God has made full provision for that. He has made it possible for you and me to do that. Everything we need has already been given to us.

Thus, we have two sides. The one side, your side, is if you want God’s best; and the other side, God’s side, is He does want it for you and has made full provision for you. So, the key decision is, Do you want God’s best? That is one thing God will not do: He will not make the decision for you. You must make the decision for yourself.

In the days that follow, I will explain certain principles that are necessary if you want God’s best. I will give you certain specific applications of these principles. The eight principles are based on three things: first, on Scripture; second, on my own personal experience, which extends well over forty years; and third, on my observation of others’ experiences.

I have had the privilege of being associated with many Christians from different back-grounds, races, and countries, and I have tried to particularly observe those whom I consider to be successful, “hundredfold” people. I have tried to learn from their lives the principles of success. That is what I will be sharing with you—the principles of success, or what you will have to do if you want God’s best.

In this theme, “If you want God’s best,” the number one requirement is to want God’s best. Can you see that? If you want God’s best, the first thing you have to do is make up your mind that you do want God’s best. This is the basic, key decision. You have to want God’s best, and you have to decide that you will settle for nothing less than God’s best. God will not force this choice on us. It rests with us to make this decision.